Our second conversation focused on our sinful human nature, and how we repeatedly fail to trust and love God. We discussed how the sin in our lives not only does damage in the short term, but it also brings a death penalty: spiritual separation from God forever. We have to pay that price—unless someone sinless loves us enough to pay it for us.
That’s exactly what Jesus did.
“Is there any other way, God?”Jesus cries out. The Father’s answer is clear: no. For the world to be rescued, it will cost Jesus’ life. That night, Jesus went on to be betrayed by a close friend, arrested by the Jewish leaders, subjected to a false trial, mocked and spat on, then whipped and crucified by the Roman authorities. The biblical authors explain why he willingly endured all that…
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
“Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.”
The night he was arrested and crucified, Jesus told his followers what was about to happen to him. He knew it was going to be brutal.
“Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup [of suffering] from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground*.”